PARTY TIME DEC 13TH ..08

It's the coldest night of the year, we have just had a fall of snow, which is begining to freeze.

It's an hour's drive to play at a 60th birthday party near Lanesborough

When we arrived we were warmly welcomed by Nuala the birthday girl, Michael her husband and Andrew their son who had invited us to play for the party. The party was in John's of Doughills. An old style bar, and a lounge to one side to facilitate the youth complete with pool table. to the other side was a large lounge which would have been swinging and packed to the rafters with cabaret artists in the 80's and 90's.

No sooner had the music begun, and Nuala and Andrew were on the floor dancing. The party had begun, it was obvious that these people know how to party and enjoy themselves.

It was fun, fun, fun from beginning to end. The family and their friends all danced and celebrated Nuala's birthday.

There was even an appearance from the man in red, although his beard was not in evidence. I watched as Nuala whispered in his ear, WHAT could she be asking him for?

"Shoe- Waddi- Waddi" arrived in frills and blue jacket, to sing the Westmeath Bachelor with words that were new to some but relevant to Nuala and family.

Michael compiled an overview of Nuala's life so far and presented it on a projector, it was very well put together, and very enjoyable.

The band by now were well watered and rested and ready for more tunes and songs.The Siege of Ennis was danced by the experienced and not so experienced. What a great dance to include all willing participants. Great fun was had by all.

This was like a party from bygone days. Everyone having fun from the start, not waiting until the end of the night when the band is ready to go home and everyone has had too much to drink and now they want to dance.

We had a mighty night and look forward to a return visit.We were glad we braved the elements